<p>Chuck Hagel has indicated that he supports the $500 billion in defense cuts that could go into effect this year, and for that reason, he should not be confirmed as secretary of defense.</p><p>Hagel's defense cuts would damage our military and will negatively affect America's standing abroad.</p><p>The U.S. needs targeted cuts to all aspects of the budget and should not solely focus on gutting the Defense Department to get our national debt under control.</p><p>Military installations critical to Louisiana's economy would be damaged by Hagel's cuts and could mean the loss of nearly 19,000 Louisiana jobs.</p><p>Sen. Landrieu has indicated that she is still weighing her vote on the Hagel confirmation.</p><p>I hope she and Sen. Vitter make the right choice and vote to preserve Louisiana's military community and our national security.</p>